SARGODHA, Sept 14: At a meeting called by MNA Chaudhry Anwar Ali Cheema, a district nazim hopeful, to review the situation after PML’s announcement to support MNA Inamul Haq Piracha for the top office, his (Cheema’s) allies reiterated their support for their leader.

Mr Cheema, who is considered a strong candidate for district nazim slot, was said to be placed under an oath by various PML groups to contest for the slot despite pressure from party’s high command to withdraw his candidature. Following the commitment Mr Cheema filed his nomination papers for the slot and was running his election campaign vigorously.

Sources say even before the beginning of local polls’ first phase, Piracha family was in touch with Mr Tariq Aziz, Principal Political Secretary to President Gen Pervez Musharraf. The Pirachas’ main demand was that Mr Cheema should withdraw first and then they would announce joining the PML.

After Mr Cheema’s commitment with majority groups, including those led by MNA Chaudhry Ghias Ahmed Mela, MNA Shahazadi Umerzadi Tiwana, MNA Ms Tanzeela Aamer Cheema and about six MPAs from the district, besides several newly-elected nazims and naib-nazims to continue opposing Piracha group, he earned displeasure of Chaudhrys of Gujrat.

In the latest meeting, the allies of Mr Cheema reposed their confidence in his leadership and assured him to work dedicatedly for his success.

Meanwhile, two MPAs hailing from Bhalwal and Kot Momen tehsils, who were said to be under oath to support Mr Cheema, left his group.

Various nazims and councillors in the city have expressed their displeasure over the nomination of Mr Piracha by chief minister and termed the decision undemocratic.

Local political pundits are of the view that Mr Cheema, who has returned as a member of the National Assembly for the sixth consecutive term, will be the most favourite candidate for the district nazim slot. They also quote the results of the last local elections held in 2001 when ‘official nominees’ for the slot Chaudhry Ghias Ahmed Mela, who was supported by Chaudhry Hamid Saleem Warriach, a cousin of Chaudhry Tariq aziz, was defeated by Malik Amjad Ali Noon, who enjoyed much less political influence than Mr Cheema.

Mr Cheema is also being supported by groups of Pir Aminul Hasnat and MPA Dr Mukhtar Bhirth, who assured him their unconditional support.

Another factor which may prove an advantage for Mr Cheema is the resentment of PPP workers and leaders against Mr Piracha for leaving the party, which may push them to Mr Cheema’s camp.

However, Mr Cheema has lost the support of his once close allies, former MNA Haji Malik Aslam Katchela, MPA Mehr Rabnawaz Luk and Zahid Iqbal Sindhu, who changed sides saying they were not under an oath to support Mr Cheema.